"There is
nothing in the world more beautiful than the forest
clothed to its very hollows in snow. It is the still ecstasy of nature, wherein every
spray,
every
blade of grass, every spire of reed,
every intricacy of
twig, is clad with radiance." William Sharp

New Year on the Gunflint Trail

Every time I sit down to write this email newsletter I think, "Where has the time gone?" It was just summer and now it's the New Year and before I know it summer will be here again.

I remember when I was in Kindergarten it felt like the school year was going to last forever. The time dragged on so very slowly and I thought summer would never come. Was it because it was the first time I ever measured time and I didn't have anything to refer to or was it because there wasn't much going on in my life?

Now the time flies by so quickly I wish it would slow down or I could press the pause button. Is there ever a time in life that goes by as quickly as it does when you have kids in Middle School or High School? Am I wanting to hang onto their youth so badly because I can't imagine them leaving home? They have so many activities combined with all of my activities we hardly take time to come up for air.

The fast-paced life we all live is why we all need a place like the Boundary Waters. A place we can go with our families to spend time with only them. Where you don't just grab a quick bite to eat with your kid but where you can spend hours catching and preparing your meal. The distractions of every day life are left behind leaving you precious time to enjoy the ones you love.

When you're on a canoe camping trip in the wilderness it's as if you can press the pause button. Feeling the sunshine on your face, smelling the scent of a campfire, hearing the call of a loon are things you want to make last and savor. Time in the BWCA is a part of life that should be enjoyed in slow motion without fast forwarding through any of it. It's an experience that is worth rewinding and doing it again and again.

The best times with family can be had on a canoe trip. It's a time to slow down, come up for air and breathe a sigh of gratefulness for all the opportunities we have been given.

Winter is Wonderful in the Wilderness

Quiet can best be defined by standing on a frozen lake in the Boundary Waters on a windless day. The only sound you hear is that of your breath and if you hold your breath you sometimes think you can hear the beating of your heart. The wilderness is a quiet place in the winter.

There is life and activity in the winter wonderland of the wilderness. Whiskey Jacks swoop down to investigate what is going on as you snowshoe through the woods, a wolf stands statue still as you cross-country ski past, canadian lynx pause curiously as a snowmobile goes by and a moose walks across the ice as you drill your fishing hole through the ice.

We'd love for you to experience winter in the wilderness, give us a call and give it a try. 1-888-CANOEIT

Paddling Permit Time

It's that time of the year to start thinking about permits to paddle and camp in the wilderness. We can reserve Quetico Park permits 5 months in advance of the start date of your canoe trip.

Boundary Waters entry point reservations will be made on a first come, first-served basis starting January 30th at 9:00 am central, the last Wednesday in January. We can reserve your permit for you or for the BWCA you can make reservations online at http://www.recreation.gov, or call 1-877-444-6777.

Got Paddle, Will Travel

So many lakes, so little time. In a wilderness area as big as the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park it's difficult to determine where to enter. There are great routes for fishing, scenery and even hiking. It's a big decision to pick your entry point but we at Voyageur can make it an easy one.

We'll help you pick your entry point into the wilderness based upon what you want to do and see. Whether it's lots of portages or a base camp you are looking for we know the area and will help you find an area best suited for you.

We're available by telephone or email so feel free to contact us whenever it's convenient. We hope you will come travel with Voyageur this year.

Book early for 2013!
Give us a call to reserve your place in the wilderness.